By BollyScoop
Gen Z is defined as those born between 1997 and 2012-has developed a vibrant, ever-evolving slang that shapes how they communicate online and in real life. This language is playful, creative, and deeply influenced by social media, memes, music, and pop culture. Here’s a comprehensive look at 30 Gen Z words, what they mean, how they originated, and why this generation is so invested in their own lingo.
30 Essential Gen Z Slang Words & Their Meanings
| Word | Meaning | Origin/How It Came Up |
|---|---|---|
| Bet | Agreement or confirmation (“Sure,” “Okay”) | Urban slang, popularized online |
| Cap | Lie or falsehood (“That’s cap” = “That’s a lie”) | African-American Vernacular English |
| No cap | Telling the truth (“No cap” = “For real”) | AAVE, spread via hip-hop and social media |
| Slay | To do something exceptionally well (“You slayed that outfit!”) | Drag culture, pop culture |
| Rizz | Charisma, especially in flirting (“He’s got rizz”) | Shortened from “charisma,” TikTok trend |
| Bussin’ | Really good, especially food (“This pizza is bussin’”) | AAVE, viral on TikTok |
| Sus | Suspicious or untrustworthy (“That’s sus”) | Among Us game, meme culture |
| Ghost | Suddenly stop communicating with someone | Dating apps, texting culture |
| Drip | Stylish or fashionable appearance (“Check out his drip”) | Hip-hop, fashion culture |
| Yeet | To throw something with force or excitement | Vine meme, internet humor |
| Lit | Exciting, fun, or excellent (“That party was lit”) | Hip-hop, party culture |
| Receipts | Proof or evidence, often screenshots | Stan Twitter, online drama |
| Tea | Gossip or juicy information (“Spill the tea”) | Drag culture, internet forums |
| Snack | Someone attractive | Social media, meme culture |
| Big Yikes | Very embarrassing or awkward | Meme culture, exaggeration of “yikes” |
| Shook | Shocked or surprised | Internet slang, meme culture |
| Boujee | Luxurious or high-class | Hip-hop, Migos song “Bad and Boujee” |
| Extra | Over the top, excessive | Drag culture, internet |
| Fire | Amazing or cool | Hip-hop, music scene |
| Gucci | Good, cool, or fine | Brand name, used as slang |
| Salty | Bitter or upset over something minor | Gaming, internet culture |
| Clout | Influence or fame, especially online | Hip-hop, influencer culture |
| Stan | Overzealous fan (“I stan her”) | Eminem song “Stan,” fandom culture |
| Glow-up | Positive transformation in appearance or style | Social media, before/after trends |
| Main character | Acting like the star of the story | TikTok, meme culture |
| Ratio | When a reply gets more likes than the original post | Twitter, online engagement |
| Simp | Someone who does too much for someone they like | Twitch, meme culture |
| W | Win or success (“That’s a W!”) | Gaming, sports culture |
| Mid | Average, unimpressive | TikTok, gaming, meme culture |
| Cheugy | Outdated, trying too hard to be trendy | TikTok, internet culture |
Why Does Gen Z Have Their Own Words?
Who Are Gen Z?
Gen Z is most commonly defined as the generation born between 1997 and 2012, according to leading research organizations such as Pew Research Center and widely cited sources like Encyclopedia Britannica and Statistics Canada. They are digital natives, growing up with smartphones, social media, and instant access to information. Their world is fast-paced, visual, and highly connected online. This cohort follows Millennials (1981–1996) and precedes Generation Alpha (2013 onward)
Why Create New Slang?
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Identity & Belonging: Slang creates a sense of community and identity. Using these words signals that you’re “in the know” and part of the group.
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Social Media Influence: Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter accelerate how quickly new words spread and evolve.
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Creativity & Humor: Gen Z loves to remix language, often borrowing from pop culture, memes, and even older generations, then giving words new meaning or twist.
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Privacy from Parents: Slang can act as a “code,” making it harder for parents and outsiders to fully understand their conversations.
Parental & Social Influence
Parents often struggle to keep up with the rapid changes in slang, which can widen the generational gap but also spark curiosity and attempts to connect. Social media, viral challenges, and influencer culture play huge roles in popularizing and evolving these terms.
The Future of Gen Z Slang: Will These Words Last?
Gen Z slang is fast-moving-some words last for years, while others fade as quickly as they appear. As Gen Alpha (the next generation) comes of age, they’re already creating their own slang, influenced by new platforms and cultural shifts. Some Gen Z words, especially those rooted in pop culture or music, may stick around, but many will be replaced or evolve.
In essence:
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Slang is a living, breathing part of youth culture.
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It reflects Gen Z’s creativity, digital fluency, and desire for belonging.
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While some words will become mainstream, most will eventually be replaced as new generations find their own voice.
Quick List: 30 Gen Z Words You Need to Know
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Bet
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Cap
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No cap
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Slay
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Rizz
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Bussin’
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Sus
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Ghost
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Drip
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Yeet
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Lit
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Receipts
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Tea
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Snack
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Big Yikes
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Shook
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Boujee
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Extra
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Fire
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Gucci
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Salty
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Clout
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Stan
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Glow-up
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Main character
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Ratio
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Simp
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W
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Mid
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Cheugy
Understanding Gen Z slang isn’t just about keeping up-it’s about connecting with a generation that values creativity, community, and constant change.
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